WOUNDED KNEE, S.D. - An 18-year-old from Wounded Knee is facing a federal charge of Assault with Intent to Commit Murder after allegedly stabbing a visitor at the Wounded Knee Memorial Site on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

According to federal prosecutors, Raymond Eagle Hawk Jr. was intoxicated and panhandling in the cemetery parking lot on June 12 when he approached a 71-year-old Texas man and his wife, who had traveled to South Dakota to visit the historic site.

Authorities say Eagle Hawk asked the man for money, and after receiving a small amount, continued to demand more. When the victim refused, Eagle Hawk allegedly stabbed him in the neck with a knife.

Despite a severe injury to his throat, the victim managed to return to his vehicle. Prosecutors say Eagle Hawk continued to advance on him before fleeing the scene. The victim was rushed to the Pine Ridge hospital, then airlifted to Monument Health in Rapid City, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Eagle Hawk has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.